America’s Aging Population on the PortableConnect
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The Rising Silver Tsunami
The largest generation in American history is getting older, leading to a demographic milestone on the horizon, an inevitable “silver tsunami”. According to the US Census, there will be more older adults than children by the year 2035 — an unavoidable first in United States history. Of concern specifically pertaining to this aging 76.4 million Baby Boomer generation is two 21st century megatrends: “The Aging of America” and “Sedentary Lifestyles.” These descriptive megatrend titles accurately sum up their impact.
With the increase of pain, suffering and debilitating diseases now endangering the quality of life and independence of more than 120 million older adults, we must also note that 50% of Baby Boomers are expected to surpass previous life expectancy and widely live into their 90s. This combination of increasing health issues and longer life expectancies presents the need to find better solutions for the silver tsunami to live comfortably sooner rather than later. With the power of modern medicine and medical innovations, there are now more and more options for doing just that.
Baby Boomers and the Sedentary Lifestyle Leading to Their Demise
Baby Boomers include individuals born between the years 1946 and 1964, specifically during the post-World War II baby boom. Today a staggering 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 years old each day. Aging comes with an increased frequency of health issues, a difficult and often frustrating fact of life for many who endure these ongoing medical issues, along with their family members. Many Baby Boomers, however, do like to think of themselves as being healthy, but in reality over half of this rapidly graying generation report engaging in no regular physical activity, which is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, a staggering 30% of Baby Boomers are actually considered obese. Unfortunately obesity creates excessive wear on the joints, so it is no surprise that 75% of Americans between ages 65 and 74 suffer from chronic joint pain.
This sedentary lifestyle plaguing a large number of Baby Boomers creates additional health challenges that go beyond joint pain. From musculoskeletal disorders to cardiovascular diseases and other comorbidities that endanger overall health, their quality of life is impacted negatively and oftentimes independence is threatened and eventually stripped away. These are health issues not easily ignored either, as each year sees over 7 million heart surgeries and procedures performed. An additional 6.4 million people more are recovering from a stroke. This incredibly large amount of varying health issues plaguing the silver tsunami is not something to disregard. Yet with the help of modern medicine and technological advancements, the lives of Baby Boomers have the potential to be healthy and fulfilling into their expected 90s.
Orthopedics and Aging
The path into old age, while clearly not often smooth when it comes to overall health, is particularly bumpy regarding orthopedics. As previously discussed, joint pain impacts millions of people who identify as Baby Boomers. With chronic joint pain, everyday life can be painful and prior activities of daily life like a simple walk to get the mail or a short trip to the grocery store can become unimaginably uncomfortable and painful. With such discomfort many end up seeking out help in the form of medication and/or surgery from doctors to alleviate their issues. Currently, over 2.1 million back or joint surgeries are performed each year by orthopedists and rheumatologists.
Beyond intense joint pain, countless individuals within the silver tsunami also suffer from knee and hip issues that often lead to them seeking input from medical professionals. Many times seeking professional medical advice results in the recommendation and/or necessity to undergo orthopedic surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement. While often a daunting suggestion, countless Baby Boomers have made the choice to undergo such procedures with hopes of regaining their preferred quality of life and mobility without pain and suffering.
Once the decision to undergo surgery is made, the planning for recovery from joint replacement must begin. It may come as a surprise to some that the recovery process actually begins before the surgery even takes place, but it is very necessary as physical therapy has to be arranged as does transportation and postoperative care. It is a long, and not so painless process, yet many Baby Boomers have found the choice for orthopedic intervention is worth it. At this moment in time, we are seeing the largest amount of orthopedic surgeries taking place for the current older generation than ever before.
ROMTech Revolutionizing Post Operative Rehabilitation
And while aging is inevitable, the positive news is that modern medicine is advancing day by day and combating the stunning statistics of the aging of America that we’ve reviewed above. Millions have been able to find a path forward through the pain and into a normal, mostly pain-free life by making the choice to seek medical advice. And while it’s important to note that technology within surgical procedures has advanced over the years, so has technology in recovery. Companies like ROMTech have secured their place in the orthopedic rehabilitation journeys of thousands of people; allowing for recovery to take place in the comfort of their own homes with consistent guided coaching and physician support.
ROMTech’s PortableConnect has emerged as a key player in the modern orthopedic rehabilitation landscape for many reasons, but its focus on ease in user experience is key. The technology minimizes inconvenience right off the bat and allows for patients to perform rehab in their own spaces post operation. The PortableConnect, furthermore, is designed to optimize users’ engagement and accountability which leads to a faster, easier recovery. The below points touch on user experience more in-depth:
- ROMTech PortableConnect is a multi-patented, rehab/fitness technology – “Progress Tracking” provides seniors with a personalized and adjustable range of motion.
- Artificial Intelligence guided coaching is offered from the first session- “Always Adapting” exercise programs and personalized coaching is available through the attached screen.
- Immersive Experiences – Scenic rides, games and rewards come as a part of the ROMTech recovery journey with real world goal setting and tracking.
- Available community Support and Education – Live streaming and on-demand classes, zoom groups and connection with others also in recovery from orthopedic surgery are accessible.
- Physical Therapy On Demand – One-on-one sessions and monthly progress assessments all in coordination with physical therapists and physicians.
The silver tsunami has arrived and though countless individuals are experiencing pain and frustration in their aging bodies, modern medicine presents solutions in both surgery and recovery. Technologies like ROMTech are changing the landscape of recovery and impacting the lives of individuals in need of a comprehensive and effective rehabilitation program.
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